The Manager of Policy & Government Relations will support the CEO and the Public Policy Committee in all advocacy and government relations activities. The Manager of Policy & Government Relations will focus their time on cultivating and stewarding relationships with elected and appointed officials at the county and municipal levels in Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Manager of Policy & Government Relations will play a key role in analyzing legislation, developing position statements, tracking policy efforts and supporting self-advocacy efforts.

Essential Functions

Create, manage and implement The Arc CCR’s government relations plan, aligned with The Arc Maryland, The Arc US and Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) policy positions and engagement strategies (when appropriate)

Cultivate, steward, coordinate and track outreach and engagement with elected officials at federal, state, county and municipal levels; with a significant focus on county and municipal government outreach and relationship building

Support the CEO in the advocacy strategy around governmental funding and key legislation that impacts services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including scheduling visits, planning and outreach

Act as the staff liaison and support the CEO with the Public Policy Committee (including internal and external members) to provide regular input and guidance on evaluation of policy priorities

Support the development and facilitation of self-advocacy groups across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Plan and execute advocacy-oriented program visits and events with people served and self-advocates, in conjunction with the Chief Program Officer and Regional Director of Partnerships & Engagement

With the Director of Marketing & Communications, create and distribute policy/advocacy newsletters, action alerts and other communication tools; track and utilize results to regularly increase engagement with members, self-advocates, elected/appointed officials and other key stakeholders

Compile and present reports on status of advocacy and priority plans for various stakeholders, including the Board and funders

Respond in a timely manner to requests from the CEO, Chief Program Officer or Chief Strategy Officer; collaborate on and occasionally lead projects from these offices as needed

Other Functions

Coordinate policy activities for Chesapeake Neighbors, with a focus on affordable and subsidized housing for people of low income and people with disabilities

Support the ongoing development of The Arc CCR’s strategic engagement strategy

Assist with development, communications and community relations activities, as needed

Perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements

Three plus years’ experience in public policy and/or government relations is required; Knowledge and experience with Maryland’s Eastern Shore political landscape is a plus

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science or related field strongly preferred; masters’ degree is a plus